Adopting new habits and routines in response to COVID-19 lockdown disruptions: A qualitative study.

Introduction: COVID-19-related restrictions resulted in changes to time use and occupational participation, impacting individual and collective well-being. This study addressed a knowledge gap concerning the adaptive process during periods of occupational disruption. We explored the experience of occupational disruption and how people managed disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive approach and interviewed 18 participants of a larger survey study of time use during the COVID-19 pandemic undertaken around a medium-sized city in Canada. Transcript analysis was conducted inductively using conventional content analysis. Findings: Two overarching themes were constructed during data analysis: The Disruption Experience and Adopting New Habits and Routines. In the face of disruption, participants described a sense of loss and disconnection, and challenges with time management. Establishing new habits and routines required new learning associated with increased time and flexibility, connecting with others and health and wellness. Conclusion: During changing pandemic restrictions, participants expressed a sense of loss, disconnection and time management challenges associated with occupational disruptions, but also described ways they adapted, improving their health and well-being. Strategies identified through this work may be used to enhance adaptation during disruptions. Future research should explore differences in adaptation, among more diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of British Journal of Occupational Therapy is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)